School of Pharmacy
Admissions

To be considered for admission, an applicant should have a preferred cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all coursework from all colleges or universities attended. A grade of “C” or higher in each course is required for the following pre-pharmacy courses taken at a college or university that is accredited by a regional accreditation agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education. International coursework must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service that is accepted by PharmCAS.

Complete the Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum

• General Biology with Lab – 8 semester or 12 quarter hours
• Anatomy and Physiology with Lab – 8 semester or 12 quarter hours
• General Chemistry with Lab – 8 semester or 12 quarter hours
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 8 semester or 12 quarter hours
• Microbiology with Lab – 4 semester or 6 quarter hours
• Calculus – 3 semester or 4.5 quarter hours
• Statistics – 3 semester or 4.5 quarter hours
• English Composition – 6 semester or 9 quarter hours
• Speech Communication^ – 3 semester or 4.5 quarter hours
• Economics^ – 3 semester or 4.5 quarter hours
• Electives in Humanities* – 9 semester or 13.5 quarter hours
• Electives in Social/Behavioral Sciences** – 6 semester or 9 quarter hours

Total 69 semester or 103.5 quarter hours

^For applicants who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree, the pre-requisite requirements of speech and economics can be considered for substitution if competency in these content areas can be sufficiently demonstrated throughout the application and/or interview process.
*Electives in Humanities include fine arts, literature, philosophy, religious studies, and foreign language.
**Electives in Social/Behavior Sciences include psychology, history, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
Additional Studies:
Although not required for admission, students may benefit from additional courses in the sciences. The recommended areas of study are Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medical Terminology, and Pathophysiology.

Admissions Test

PCAT or other graduate admissions tests scores are not required from South College School of Pharmacy applicants.

TOEFL

Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English Language by scoring a minimum composite of 80, but 100 or higher is preferred, on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).

Obtain Letters of Recommendation

The South College School of Pharmacy strongly prefers three letters of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter must be submitted by the applicant’s pre-professional adviser at the college or university where the applicant completed the pre-pharmacy curriculum or by a faculty member who taught the applicant in the pre-pharmacy curriculum. It is preferred that one letter be submitted by a pharmacist who supervised the applicant in an employee or volunteer capacity. One letter may be submitted by any person chosen by the applicant, except that the letter may not be from a member of the applicant’s family, whether related by blood or marriage.

Submit Required Application

Application to the South College School of Pharmacy requires applying through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (www.pharmcas.org).  Only applications received through PharmCAS will be considered.

Additional information about PharmCAS is available on the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy website at www.aacp.org.

Technical Requirements

The applicant must meet the following technical requirements for admission. The technical requirements establish the non-academic abilities that are considered imperative for students to progress at the level of competence required by the faculty and by ACPE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the School of Pharmacy in writing if the applicant cannot meet one or more of these technical requirements. Medical documentation describing the inability to meet one or more of the requirements should be provided. The School of Pharmacy, together with the South College Student Services Department, will review the information provided by the applicant to determine what, if any, reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the degree requirements if the applicant is admitted. The results of the review will be provided in writing to the applicant.

Observation

The candidate must possess the ability to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation requires a functioning level of use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation which is enhanced and supported by a functioning level of use of touch, hearing, taste, and smell. Candidates must possess the ability to directly observe demonstrations and experiments in the classroom, as well as patients’ physical conditions for the provision of their care. Candidates must be capable of remaining alert and attentive while in educational and clinical settings. Inherent in this observation process is the use of the senses and sufficient motor capability to carry out the necessary assessment activities.

Communication

Candidates must possess the ability to effectively communicate with instructors, healthcare practitioners, patients, family members, caretakers and other members of the community. The candidate must possess the ability to use English to effectively communicate in both oral and written form and the ability to interpret forms of nonverbal communication.

Motor skill

The candidate must possess the ability to effectively coordinate both gross and fine muscular movement, sustain equilibrium, and have intact functioning of all of the senses. The candidate must possess the ability to maintain postural control and neuromuscular control and possess a level of eye-to-hand coordination that is essential to competently performing pharmacy-based practice skills and tasks. These tasks include, but are not limited to, using computer based information systems, preparing and dispensing medications, accurately compounding sterile and non-sterile dosage forms, providing emergency care (first aid treatments, Basic Life Saving skills, etc.) performing basic health monitoring tests and the administration of immunizations.

Intellectual, Conceptual, and Quantitative

The candidate must be able to think critically and analytically, solve problems, demonstrate reasoning and analysis, and synthesize information in an appropriate manner. Candidates must be able to interpret information through a variety of methods including the use of electronic information systems, classroom education, group activities, independent learning, and individual instructions in a clinical setting. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. All candidates should possess effective learning techniques which allow for the successful completion of an accelerated pharmacy curriculum.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

The candidate must possess the emotional health necessary to demonstrate academic abilities, exercise judgment, and complete activities. The candidate must recognize how behavior affects performance and relationships. The candidate must possess the ability to endure the time commitment and stresses associated with the pharmacy curriculum and adapt to change. Personal attributes and characteristics, including but not limited to compassion, empathy, and motivation, are essential. Integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, and interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

Professionalism

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to act with professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the admissions process, and if admitted to the School of Pharmacy, throughout matriculation in the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Candidates must continually exhibit professionalism in their appearance, attitude, behavior, and interactions with their peers, colleagues, patients, and instructors.

Special Students

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the program. However, it is the responsibility of the candidate to notify South College in writing with medical documentation from their provider, (South College School of Pharmacy, 400 Goody’s Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922) and verbally if there is any reason why the abilities and/or expectations described cannot be met. Candidates will be presented with these technical standards during the interview process. At that time they will review these standards with the program faculty and sign a form. Candidates who indicate verbally and in writing (with medical documentation) that they cannot meet one or more of these requirements will have their situation reviewed by the School of Pharmacy to determine what, if any reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the degree requirements if they are admitted into the program.

Interview

The applicant must participate (at the applicant’s expense) in an on-campus interview with representatives of the Admissions Committee of the South College School of Pharmacy. On-campus interviews are preferred, but the South College School of Pharmacy will consider interviews conducted via video calling software in certain situations. Not all applicants will be extended an offer to interview, and offering of an interview is not an indication that the applicant will be accepted. Offers to interview will be determined by the Office of Admissions and Admissions Committee. The procession for offering an interview will be from those applicants judged most qualified (based on cumulative grade point average and other measures) to those judged less qualified until the class is admitted. A result of this procession is that some applicants who meet the minimum requirements for admission may not be extended an offer to interview. Whether a particular applicant will be offered an interview will be affected by how a particular applicant compares to the other applicants in the current pool of applicants. The interview will include an evaluation of verbal communication skills, understanding of the pharmacy profession, and commitment to patient care, among other areas of importance to the School of Pharmacy.

Questions

Jill Brehmer
Director of Operations
(865) 288-5779
[email protected]

Liz Higbie
Admissions and Student Outreach Coordinator, School of Pharmacy
(865) 288-5871
[email protected]

Computer and Mobile Device Requirements

Medical Requirements

For purposes of admission and progression, all School of Pharmacy students are required to provide the information indicated below:

Immunizations

Documentation of compliance with required immunizations must be provided. All immunization forms must be signed by a qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The following forms are a requirement of matriculation and are due as indicated below.

• South College School of Pharmacy Mandatory Pharmacy Student Immunization Documentation Form
  Due 30 days prior to Student Orientation for the P1 year
  Download Form

In addition to the above requirements, all students will be required to have the following tests/immunizations annually:

• TB Skin Test
• Influenza Vaccine

Health and Medical History

Documentation of compliance with health and medical history requirements must be provided. The health and medical history form must be signed by a qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The following form is a requirement of matriculation and is due as indicated below.

• South College School of Pharmacy Student Health and Medical History
  Due 30 days prior to Student Orientation for the P1 year
  Download Form

Health and Medical Insurance

For purposes of admission and progression, all students must have active, comprehensive health and medical insurance that will provide benefits in the event they contract or develop a medical condition, sickness, or injury. Evidence of comprehensive health and medical insurance (a copy of their health and medical insurance card, front and back) must be provided 30 days prior to Student Orientation for the P1 year. In addition, verification of continued coverage of active health and medical insurance will occur upon registration of each quarter. Any uninsured health care costs that may result while on clinical rotations will be the sole responsibility of the student. All students must maintain a policy of health and medical insurance from matriculation through graduation from the South College School of Pharmacy.

Background & Other Check Requirements

For purposes of admission and progression, the South College School of Pharmacy requires background checks, registry checks, and healthcare exclusions checks.  In addition, the School of Pharmacy is required to provide information from these checks, and from social security, driver’s license and employment verifications, to each affiliated clinical education program site for each student who participates in clinical education at the site.  All required checks will be performed through Certiphi, and must be received prior to matriculation.  All other required checks will be performed as required by the Office of Clinical Education throughout the 3-year curriculum.  In addition to these checks being performed by the School of Pharmacy, these checks may be conducted by one or more of the clinical education program sites.  Information obtained from these checks may inhibit your admission and progression.

Drug Screens

For purposes of admission and progression, the South College School of Pharmacy requires drug screens.  In addition, the School of Pharmacy is required to provide information from these drug screens to each affiliated clinical education program site for each student who participates in clinical education at the site.  All required checks will be performed through Certiphi and must be completed and received prior to matriculation.  All other required checks will be performed as required by the Office of Clinical Education throughout the 3-year curriculum.  Screens may be performed using urine, blood, and/or hair samples.  In addition to drug screens performed by the School of Pharmacy, you may be required by one or more of the clinical education program sites to submit to a drug screen, with or without advance notice of the screen.  Information obtained in drug screens may inhibit your admission and progression.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

1. Successful completion of all Doctor of Pharmacy coursework and cumulative grade point average > 2.50.
2. Successful completion of all program year competency assessments.

Any failure to meet academic requirements must be successfully remediated, according to School of Pharmacy policies and procedures, within five years of original matriculation to demonstrate proficiency and readiness to enter the profession

Rolling admissions means that applications are evaluated as they are received instead of waiting to evaluate all applications after the deadline. Acceptances are also offered throughout the admissions cycle until all seats are filled. Because of the rolling admissions process, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

• Write your essay in a word document to utilize spellcheck and help with proofreading. Then, copy and paste the essay into PharmCAS. PharmCAS does not have a spellcheck feature.
• Reference letters are submitted directly to PharmCAS. We recommend giving your reference letter writers a deadline. Reference letters are also referred to as Evaluations throughout the PharmCAS process.
• It is helpful to order 2 transcripts from each school you attended – one to be sent to PharmCAS as required, and one for yourself. This is not only good practice for your professional career, but will also assist greatly with the input of your coursework into your PharmCAS application.
• Pay close attention to detail throughout the entire application. Provide as much information as you can, double check for typos, make sure dates are correctly listed, etc. Pharmacy is a field filled with detail, so demonstrating attention to detail is important.
• Fill out even the optional portions of the application if you have information available. It is important for schools to get a full picture of a candidate and this can only be done when all pertinent information is listed including work experiences and extracurricular activities. Experiences obtained during undergraduate education and beyond should be included, while high school experiences are generally not pertinent to the pharmacy school application process.

PharmCAS requires all international transcript evaluations be completed with World Education Services (WES, www.wes.org). As the South College School of Pharmacy requires all applicantions to come through PharmCAS, WES evaluations are the only international transcript evaluations accepted by the South College School of Pharmacy.